Seeing Home Decor Through Pink Coloured Glasses

House and Home magazinesHome decor is a bit of an obsession. On weekends you can find me haunting big box home decor stores and small one-of-a-kind boutiques in search of treasures. Or in an indulgent moment, with a glass of wine in hand, pouring through a design magazine that arrived in the mail (sorry Mother Earth but I’m still partial to paper).

I have owned homes and rented and over the years I’ve managed to learn a thing or two about decor. It can be one of the most simple yet difficult things to do; Be both frustrating and rewarding. It can make you miserable or happy.

So whether you’re on a budget or not, here is my #1 tip: ADD PINK! I know this sounds scary to many who cringe at the thought of this sugary feminine colour, and would rather dip their paint brush into something black, or even worse, beige… but hear me out.

Pink carnations with coffee table books  Pink lilies on table top decorThere is a fine line between childish and chic when it comes to pink. Covering every surface in this bright hue could easily transform any room into a seven year old’s princess paradise, but just a touch of rose is the perfect accent to any design palette. Think of it like a swipe of lipstick. Or that pop of blush on your cheeks after a great workout. It makes you look and feel more vibrant. It’s nature’s perfect accent!

Pink horse statues on fireplaceFlip open any design magazine or style book and you will find gorgeous pink flowers dotting the pages. The colour provides a warmth and vibrancy to spaces without taking away from the design aesthetic. From blush to fuchsia, you can pair pink with a large array of colours to achieve whatever theme you’re after.

Add it to white or black for modern, crisp design, or pair it with natural colours and materials for a boho look. Scattered in the midst of other strong hues of blue, yellow, or green it can bring life to an eclectic space. Or you can go ultra sexy and glamorous by adding it to light neutrals alongside some sparkle and soft, luxurious textures.

A pink nosegay on the side tableSo go ahead and throw on your rose coloured glasses, life really is better in PINK!

I’d love to hear how you add my favourite colour to your space.

Paper Perfect

Flowered Paper from The Paper Place in TorontoI was looking for creative inspiration this weekend. Something that would get my mind out of this grey slump. Something that made my eyes open in wonder and my mind spin. Something that made me smile. And I found it in spades! I stumbled upon The Paper Place, a beautiful little shop on Queen Street West in Toronto. They carry a rainbow of decorative and handmade Japanese paper, as well as a large selection of unique papers and products from around the world.

Paper display shelves at The Paper Place in TorontoPaper choices at The Paper Place on Queen St West in TorontoBeautiful craft paper at The Paper Place on Queen St West in TorontoDecorative tape at The Paper Place in Toronto The store is filled with ideas for handmade cards, wedding invitations, origami crafts, beautiful book binding supplies and gifts. The paper itself is stunning enough to be mounted and framed. In fact, I just had to have this fun bicycle print which I plan to transform into a Christmas gift for someone special.

Les Bicyclettes paper at The Paper Place in TorontoI guess paper is no longer just for wrapping gifts this Christmas season. At least not in my house!

Treasure Hunting in Hamilton

Pure Home Couture Store Hamilton - View to front of storeWith only 52 days left until Christmas and a long list of gift recipients, it’s high time I got my shopping butt in gear. I wish I  was one of those people with gifts bought and wrapped by August (especially when the inevitable snow storms hit and I’m left giftless and feeling guilty). However, I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator. Although I love the feeling of finding the perfect item for that special person, I’m usually doing it under pressure. Major stress! That is until now. I’ve found the perfect place where I can strike off a few names from the gift list and truly enjoy the shopping experience. Pure Home Couture, is my newly discovered treasure trove of Christmas gift ideas!

I heard whispers of this amazing gem hidden in the depths of Hamilton and I couldn’t wait to check it out. On a sunny weekend, the boy and I made the hour long trip outside of London and we weren’t disappointed.

Pure Home Couture Store - Back Corner ViewChristmas Gift Ideas Hamilton - Wall Mounted ArtChristmas Gift Ideas - Pure Home Couture in Hamilton Scented Bath BombsChristmas Gift Idea - Pure Home Couture Hamilton - Apothecary CandlesClimbing to an upper floor of an innocuous looking building, I was transported to the ultimate shopping experience. The space feels historic with a soaring beamed ceiling and wooden plank floors. Softly glowing chandeliers sparkle against dark painted walls creating a warm coziness and a relaxed atmosphere. Shabby chic armoires and painted tables display scented candles, beauty products and sparkling jewels. The whole store has a feeling of stepping into a french country dream you don’t ever want to leave.

Poking through the items found in every corner of the space was like a veritable treasure hunt. There are unique greeting cards, baby items, and dishes stacked among a huge variety of the most delicious home scents including Bergamot Tea, Cassis and Rose, and Blood Orange. My personal favourite, Vintage Peony, has already made it’s way onto my bedside table.

Pure Couture Hamilton Scented SticksChristmas Gift Idea - Pure Home Couture Scented SoapTokyo Milk LotionPrincess Crowns and NapkinsPink Poodle BookendsColbert Scented Candle at Pure Home Couture in HamiltonAcca kappa lip balmJewelry displayBelle-de-Provence-ProductsI absolutely love this store and even the boy was enamoured with the shopping space and selection. Neither one of us could believe that Hamilton was hiding such a fabulous shopping destination and I couldn’t wait to share this find with all of you. I promise that a visit here will help you strike a few names off your Christmas list and like me, you will leave with some Christmas gift ideas for yourself!